Every day, staff at City Schools are making a significant impact in the lives of their students as they actively align with the goals and competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate (POAG) strategic plan.
During Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Week, we are highlighting the ways that staff are creating confident students through social and emotional support and engagement. Lisa Calicchia, assistant principal at Katherine Johnson Global Academy, exemplifies the principles of social-emotional learning (SEL) through her daily interactions and commitment to fostering a supportive environment. Since the school opened in 2021, Calicchia has been dedicated to building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and all members of the school community.
Her efforts to counsel, console, and support individuals in need have made a significant impact. A passionate advocate for SEL and wellness, Calicchia has led initiatives that have helped transform the school’s climate and culture. Last year, she organized the first annual Mental Health and Fitness Week, which was a hit with both students and staff.
Calicchia’s focus on wellness extends to her work with all school departments. She launched Wellness Wednesdays, where she collaborates with the climate team to offer staff mindfulness moments in the lounge. Additionally, she promoted Mindful T-Shirt Tuesdays, encouraging staff to wear shirts with inspirational quotes, uplifting both themselves and their students.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) creates a supportive environment where both students and teachers can thrive. By fostering empathy, resilience, and emotional well-being, SEL helps students build confidence and manage emotions, while equipping teachers to support growth effectively. When teachers feel supported, they can better connect with students and create a positive, safe learning space. This mutual support boosts students’ self-awareness and confidence, empowering educators to be strong role models.
For new teacher Ms. Braxton, Calicchia’s support made a lasting impression. "My first year teaching was scary, as it is for most new teachers," Braxton said. "But Ms. Calicchia stopped by my room every morning that first month. Sometimes she would offer advice on my lessons, sometimes just share a joke to ease my nerves. Whatever it was, it made me feel like she cared about me as a person, not just as a teacher under her leadership. What makes this so special is that she wasn’t even my grade-level administrator, yet she still took the time to check on me."
Through her leadership and dedication, Calicchia continues to make Katherine Johnson Global Academy a place where SEL thrives, benefiting both students and staff alike.
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